IRAN WAR DISRUPTS ZINC SUPPLIES TO CHINA China’s zinc smelters face raw-material shortages after shipments from Iran were halted amid the ongoing conflict, compounding delays from Russia’s new Ozernoye mine. Iran and Russia together supply about 15% of China’s zinc feedstock. Port closures at Bandar Abbas in the Strait of Hormuz and canceled cargoes from Oman have tightened supplies, forcing Chinese buyers to seek alternatives for May and June. Industry analysts warn the conflict could ripple through other commodities markets, with aluminum, nickel, copper, and fertilizers already seeing price pressures.(*Walter Bloomberg)